Software Freedom Day[s] are here!

A little while ago I started an experiment: can I operate my academic and personal lives by using only open source software?

I often hear the argument that while open source software is ok to fit some needs, it falls short of what it can deliver when it comes to some demands of the academic job. I have always agreed with this position until I asked myself: Based on what do I say that it is so?

So I became my own guinea pig. I installed ubuntu on my netbook (well, the royal I, it was really Tom Parkers from the olpc volunteer community who did that for me), and started adding software that I need for work. I will start sharing my experiences over time on this blog, but I will also bring my computer to Software Freedom Day on Saturday in Auckland to show what I am doing.

What is Software Freedom Day?

Software Freedom Day celebrates free and open source software (FOSS), and there are several events happening in New Zealand spread over the weekend. As the site says:

‘The principles behind FOSS are underpinned by the users’ freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. You can read more about the four freedoms on the GNU website.’

The events kicked off yesterday in Warrington and there are more events today Friday, S

From 10 am to 4 pm we will be at Orion Cafe in Mt Eden in Auckland showing the one laptop per child computers, 3D printers, android phones and a lot more, including some presentations. And we have Sugar on a Stick to give away, but bring an empty 1G or 2G usb stick in case we run out of them.